Worcester State University Student Housing

Construction of a new residence hall at Worcester State University began in spring 2013 with completion in the fall 2014. To help meet the schedule and provide cost-efficient construction, designers chose precast concrete hollowcore planks for the combined flooring and ceiling elements. They are being erected with a patented steel-girder framing that speeds construction while securing the planks.

The new residence hall, named for Lt. Col. James F. Sheehan, USMC (ret.), a member of the Class of 1955, will house 400 students and feature a community room, dining hall, and outdoor seating overlooking the John F. Coughlin Field.

The girder design, called the Girder-Slab System, allows the hollowcore planks to connect to the steel framing using a patented D-Beam shaped girder. The planks have notches cut into them that allow them to be sealed to the girders with grout quickly and securely.

The combined hollowcore and Girder-Slab System provide a fast construction schedule, which is enhanced by combining the ceiling and flooring elements into one unit with the hollowcore planks.

The hollowcore also will help the project in its goal of receiving Silver LEED certification. Among its attributes are the use of recycled materials, minimal construction waste, local manufacturing and use of local materials, all of which contribute to LEED points.